Colorado's Wildlife Story
Early settlers described the West as a vast land filled with wildlife. But by the late 1800s, population growth, uncontrolled hunting and fishing, and changes in land use had taken their toll.
I desire to say a word in favor of protecting our game--birds, beasts, and fishes--all of which are being wastefully destroyed...and unless some law is passed...the buffalo, elk, deer, antelope and trout will soon become extinct, and Colorado will be robbed of the many attractions she today possesses.
Colorado Territorial Governor Edwin M. McCook, 1872
For some species we've changed the land too much. The buffalo, the grizzly bear, and the gray wolf may never return. But wildlife is important to the people of Colorado. With governments, citizens, landowners, hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreationists working together, many wildlife species have recovered dramatically.
Today, the challenge of protecting wild animals and their habitats continues. Enjoy Colorado's wild heritage, and help us keep all wildlife a part of our future.
Erected
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment. In addition, it is included in the History Colorado series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.
Location. 40° 57.976′ N, 102° 15.095′ W. Marker is in Julesburg, Colorado, in Sedgwick County. It is at the intersection of Interstate 76 and U.S. 385 on Interstate 76. Marker is at the Colorado Welcome Center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Julesburg CO 80737, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Eastern Plains. It is also in the American Mountain West, on the Great Plains, and specifically on the High Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Last Days of the Buffalo (here, next to this marker); Welcome to Colorado (here, next to this marker); The Pony Express Trail (here, next to this marker); Pony Express, Telegraph and Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); Water - Lifeblood of the West (within shouting distance of this marker); A Moving Experience (within shouting distance of this marker); Overland City (Julesburg) Pony Express Riders (within shouting distance of this marker); Prairie Home Companions (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Julesburg.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,126 times since then and 27 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on September 18, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.
